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If you want to keep your ride in tip-top shape, you perform regular maintenance. After all, the last thing you want is for your car to break down, leaving you stranded on the side of the road.
Whether you prefer to do it yourself, file a car warranty claim, or call a mechanic, car maintenance can get expensive. However, some credit cards can help you save as you maintain your ride.
Here are two credit cards to keep your car running smoothly.
How to Choose a Card for Car Maintenance
The right credit card depends on the type of auto purchases you make. If you’re focused on fuel, you should choose a gas rewards card. If you’re concerned with the cost of auto parts, find a card that earns cash back at your supplier of choice. If you want to avoid interest on an expensive repair, a card with a strong 0% APR offer can help.
Some credit card issuers offer roadside assistance services (for varying costs) as part of their overall benefits package. If you’re driving a fixer-upper with reliability issues, you may want to check for a solid roadside assistance policy.
What Credit Is Required for a Car Maintenance Credit Card?
Usually, the best credit cards are reserved for those with excellent credit, but there are rewards cards for consumers of all kinds and credit scores. Before you apply for a card, check its credit requirements against your credit score—you can get a free credit report from Credit.com. If it doesn’t look like you’ll qualify, just keep shopping around.
Image: istock
Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees, and terms for credit cards, loans, and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees, and terms for credit cards, loans, and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees, and terms with credit card issuers, banks, or other financial institutions directly.